No, not Germany, rather Joliet area.
The Autobahn Cruise 5k is a dream run for anybody into auto racing,
especially road racing/sports car racing.
The event takes place inside the spacious Autobahn Country Club, the
Joliet area home of 2 sports car tracks.
The entire complex is over 5k, so the race uses only one of the two
tracks for the race, though there has been talk of renaming the race to 5K+ and
utilizing both tracks. Personally, I’m
rooting for that!
Participants enter just like they would on an auto racing
day, stopping at the front gate office to pick up their “credentials” which
allow them access to the complex. Racers
then go the “Clubhouse” for packet pickup, registration, pre-race food
(pre-race warmth or dryness, as needed), and an opportunity to view a few
sports cars that are inside and outside of the Clubhouse. Even cooler, participants are greeting by
genuine LIVE bagpipe music!
The race itself utilizes one entire course (and part of it
twice, for a brief there-and-back segment).
Runners start at the Start/Finish line on the track and finish on the
Start/Finish line on the pit area, finishing in the same direction as the
racecars would. Because this is run on
the track, there is no concern for pedestrians, dogs, bikers, or cars. (no, they don’t put the runners out there
with the racecars). The lead runner how
does have an actual pace car in front of him though.
Because this is a sports car course, the track is wide, even
at the start, there is immediately plenty of running room for early
passing. Also, because this is a sports
car course there are quite a few twists and turns – and any car racing fan just
loves this as they can route their running so they are using the shortest
distance by staightlining the s-curve and similar areas, without leaving the
running surface. And, as any good race
fan, I had to make sure I ran a little bit on the rumble strips!! The unsuspecting challenge for someone new to
the track are the elevation changes.
None of the hills are too steep – but they are constant, sometimes not
even noticeable until you are halfway up one and wondering why it seems you are
putting forth more effort, but moving slower.
Although the race is in the fall/winter, it still is relatively scenic,
as the course winds passed the “business condos” scattered along the outside of
the track.
The end of the race once again sees the runners back in the
Clubhouse for awards, 50/50 raffles, and donated prize raffles (lots of them),
and plenty of food and drinks – including beer.
If you are a runner, I recommend this. If you are a sports car racing fan and a
runner, I highly highly recommend this race.
The race is traditionally held in November, so keep your eyes open for
it.
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